ISG Totty Building secures University scheme

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team May 11, 2007

ISG Totty Building commence work on a fast-track contract to transform vacant buildings into a new facility for the University of Chester.

ISG Totty Building has commenced work on a GBP1.5 million fast-track contract to transform vacant buildings on the site of the former Kingsway High School in the Newton area of Chester into a new facility for the University of Chester.

The Kingsway site will provide higher education facilities for around 800 students at the fast growing University, and community use of some of the resources will be encouraged.

ISG Totty Building will be undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment programme at the former high school, with approximately 8,000 sq m of space, across a range of one, two and three-storey buildings, due to be upgraded and modernised in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2007.

The programme of works will be phased to enable the University to take occupation of key administrative buildings ahead of other elements of the scheme.

Wherever possible, the design of the new site incorporates existing space within the buildings to create new facilities, with ISG Totty Building creating a performing arts area within the school's existing assembly hall.

Other key facilities include a large learning resource area, graphic design studio, journalism suite, music practice rooms and a large lecture theatre and seminar rooms.

All existing buildings will have their mechanical and electrical services stripped out and upgraded, with ISG Totty Building installing new data cabling services throughout to support a modern IT infrastructure.

Philip Ryder, managing director of ISG Totty Building, commented: "With a strictly limited time frame for the completion of this high profile project, the University of Chester looked to appoint a contractor with the necessary skills and expertise to deliver a true fast-track construction programme".

"ISG Totty Building has built an enviable reputation for its highly flexible service offering, providing tailored solutions for clients across a comprehensive range of public and private sector organisations.".